Dianthus Seeds 'Pink Spring Beauty'

• Beautiful mix of pink, red and white flowers
• Fragrant
• Perfect for containers
• Long flowering period

Dianthus ‘Spring Beauty’ is a beautiful mix of fragrant double and semi-double flowers in soft pink, red and white tones above mounds of silver-green foliage. Flowering for months from late spring to early autumn, these traditional cottage garden flowers are perfect for containers and for cutting.

Sow indoors

Sow on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and keep at 18-20°C (64-68F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination takes 2-4 weeks.

Grow on

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 8cm (3") pots and grow Dianthus plants on in cooler conditions.

Plant out

Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost. Plant 30cm (12in) apart on any fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Alternatively, plant in containers on a sunny patio.

Aftercare

Deadhead faded blooms to keep plants blooming for longer Dianthus like a sunny location where they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day and need well-drained soil. Adequate air circulation is also important. Lightly use slow-release fertiliser once the plants start to develop